The peaceful and ancient town of Ora-Ekiti, Ekiti State, was vibrant with celebration on Sunday, December 8, 2024, as Methodist Church Nigeria hosted its grand Harvest Thanksgiving Service themed “Harvest of Thanksgiving.”
The annual event drew an impressive gathering of worshippers, traditional rulers, dignitaries, and esteemed guests, all coming together in a spirit-filled atmosphere of faith, gratitude, and community.
The highlight of the service was the soul-stirring sermon delivered by the Very Reverend David Ogundoro.
With deep insight and spiritual wisdom, Reverend Ogundoro admonished congregants and guests to imbibe the virtues of a good harvest.
He emphasized the importance of sowing positive seeds—of kindness, faith, and service—stating that these seeds would inevitably yield abundant divine blessings.
His thought-provoking sermon left many inspired to reflect on their lives and commit to greater acts of generosity and community building.
Presbyter and Minister in Charge, the Very Reverend E.A. Ajibola, warmly welcomed everyone and conveyed his heartfelt appreciation for the overwhelming support and participation.
He acknowledged the efforts of individuals and groups, both within and outside the church, who contributed immensely to the success of the event.
He further highlighted the significance of the annual thanksgiving as an opportunity to recognize God’s blessings and reaffirm the church’s commitment to spiritual growth and community service.
A key moment of the day was the active involvement of the Honorable Peter Omotayo Ajayi, Chair Holder of Egbe Ifeoluwa.
Known for his exemplary leadership and unwavering dedication to community development, Hon. Ajayi’s contributions added a unique touch of grace to the celebration. His active participation, alongside his consistent support for the church, served as a source of inspiration to many attendees.
Furthermore, Hon. Ajayi demonstrated his deep commitment to the growth of the church by making generous donations for the expansion of the gospel at Methodist Church Nigeria, Ora-Ekiti.
His philanthropy was met with heartfelt appreciation, with many recognizing his pivotal role in advancing the church’s mission and outreach efforts.
Adding to the prestige of the event was the presence of representatives from the Executive Council of the Peter Ajayi Movement (PAM), led by the dynamic Prince Olanrewaju Okanlawon Olatunji, who journeyed all the way from Lagos.
Their attendance underscored PAM’s commitment to fostering community unity, supporting faith-based initiatives, and encouraging thanksgiving as a cornerstone of personal and communal development.
Their presence was warmly acknowledged by the church leadership and applauded by the congregation.
Also gracing the occasion was the Olora of Ora-Ekiti, His Royal Majesty, Oba Peter Afolabi Falade, who brought royal dignity and cultural significance to the celebration.
The revered monarch, a staunch advocate for unity and development in Ora-Ekiti, commended the church for its vital role in promoting peace and spiritual growth in the community.
His Majesty’s presence served as a reminder of the synergy between faith-based institutions and traditional leadership in fostering societal progress.
The service was enriched by vibrant choir renditions, melodious hymns, and heartfelt prayers that created an atmosphere of worship and thanksgiving.
Congregants and guests participated enthusiastically, reflecting on the blessings of the year and rededicating themselves to lives of gratitude and purpose.
The event concluded with a reception that allowed attendees to mingle and share in the joy of the harvest.
It was a day filled with inspiration, community bonding, and a renewed determination to sow good seeds for a brighter future.
The Harvest of Thanksgiving did not only serve as a spiritual milestone but also reinforced the values of unity, faith, and gratitude as cornerstones of the Ora-Ekiti community.
As the congregation departed, the echoes of Reverend Ogundoro’s message remained in their hearts: sowing seeds of goodness and faith leads to an abundant harvest of blessings.